SBS Admonish Readers Following a Malware Threat

A multicultural TV network in Australia, Special Broadcasting Service or SBS TV, is alerting the readers of its news website to run a virus scan on their computer immediately after a hacking attack during the past weekend (i.e., third weekend of July 2011), reports smh.com.au on July 18, 2011.

As revealed, hackers apparently crept into the website of SBS and disseminated malware that would likely redirect users to the infected site. The amount of disruption on the part of users depends upon the Internet security programs used by them and the status of updates of their Windows OS, which has ultimately led Chrome browser of Google to come up with a warning over the matter.

Initially, Reddit users observed the SBS attack and eventually by the Sydney Morning Herald. The consequence of this event led the SBS to issue an apology statement toward the affected population.

While acknowledging the attack in a statement, SBS denoted that it was the first occurrence of such an event, though these kinds of attacks are quite frequent for many other websites and organizations throughout the world, reported itwire.com on July 18, 2011.

While apologizing its affected customers, SBS reassured them that its digital team (presumably the IT department) is ongoing its mission towards resolving the problem. Its team is also investigating deeply into the matter to find out exactly the circumstance under which such a mishap could occur and taking preventive steps towards ensuring future security.

According to Paul Duckin, Security Expert at Sophos, websites should not only evaluate their own preventive measures but also indulge into the measures taken by other providers to avoid infection of their sites. Other provides could necessarily include web design and coding companies, web hosters, and the ad-serving companies as reported by smh.com.au on July 18, 2011.

Cyber crooks tactfully use forged credentials and brand names of legit companies to reserve ads and integrate malware in the links, explained the security experts.

Unfortunately, this incident of malware infection appears after the Herald Sun and The Weekly Times (digital publications of both) spread the news that malware was being transmitted from their websites.